Quote: 

If you see a story that you believe would be useful and important to our readers, simply respond to this email with a link and a brief description of why it is important.  (Even if it may be obvious)

Southern NH 9.12 Project 

& Temple University Students for Intellectual Freedom (TUSIF)

This is a really good chart with all the candidates positions on issues....note especially, please, those that support agenda 21   

Get the PDF Document Here . . .   

Join the Thomas Jefferson Club for our 3rd Annual Christmas Party!

Tuesday, December 20th, 7:30PM

The Temperance House

5 South State Street

Newtown, PA 18940

Tis the Season to join in fellowship and freedom!

Dinner buffet & dessert, $25pp (Cash bar)

Please RSVP to info@thomasjeffersonclub.org

Special Tea Party update from Ana Puig (Kitchen Table Patriots) and Jennifer Stefano (Loyal Opposition) 

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Jeff McGeary

Please remember our military men and women deployed overseas;

consider a holiday donation to the United Service Organizations (USO) on their website here:

Nullify Now! Philadelphia

THE INTERFAITH TASKFORCE FOR AMERICA AND ISRAEL (ITAI)

123 S. Broad Street, Suite 1832, Philadelphia, PA 19109

HOLD THE DATE

ITAI is pleased to invite you to attend our program titled "Christians in the Middle East: Endangered Species."

With Samir Asad (an Egyptian Coptic-Christian), Wafa Mikhail, and Joseph Puder, and Charles Kahn Jr.,

Our panel will discuss the current situation in Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and Gaza, and more...

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012, 7:30PM

At

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

1989 Rt. 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ

Admission is free, tax-deductible contributions to ITAI are encouraged.

LISTEN LIVE TO REPATRIOT RADIO

"BETTER THAN EVER"

(all times are eastern)

Monday 3-4pm "Bordering on Insanity" - Sue Payne and Frosty Wooldridge

Wednesday 3-4pm "Patriots Watch" - Billy Baer and Dan Haggerty

Thursday 3-4pm "America's Black Shield" - Ted Hayes and Terrance Lang

Friday 10-11pm "Veterans' Weekly Forum" - Rich Davis and David Bellavia   

Remember January 3rd, 2007 The Day The Democrats Took Over!

The Case Against Obamacare: Health Care Policy Series for the 112th Congress

For Tea Parties, this can be used as basic ammunition for letters to the editor, columns for your local news outlet, handouts at public events, emailing the pdf to our elected reps as well as to members, friends and neighbors.

This appears to be an excellent resource; let's make use of it.

Lou Flanagan

The General Wayne Tea Party

RedState Morning Briefing

For December 20, 2011

1. The Candidates

I will not be endorsing any time soon. I have made clear my reasons here.

I am, however, continually surprised that anyone in the GOP thinks Mitt Romney is a really viable candidate. Should he be the nominee, the American public will be treated to interviews and commercials with every person ever fired or laid off because of Bain Capital, an organization from which MItt Romney still draws money.

The Romney camp response is, in effect, "Sure, but look at all the people laid off because of Barack Obama."

Okay. Sure. In other words, in a race about job creation, we'll have a fight over who caused the fewest people to lose their jobs.

That's a real winner of an argument to have.

Please click here for the rest of the post.

2. The Strategic Incompetence of Mitch McConnell

Mitch McConnell's minion are in full on spin mode trying to blame Speaker of the House John Boehner for botching the payroll tax cut extension. The only person who deserves any blame is Mitch McConnell. In this, the first deal he pretty much single handedly negotiated with the Democrats, he not only screwed up, but proved he has no freaking clue how to get the economy growing again.

The House has postponed a vote on the matter but members of the House are in open rebellion about it. In exchange for the Keystone Pipeline, which would probably make the President veto the whole thing anyway, the GOP would go for a two month extension of the payroll tax cut and raise fees on mortgages permanently.

Note the last bit. McConnell was okay raising fees on the American people permanently to offset a two month payroll tax cut. And it would not just raise fees on mortgages, it would, in effect, perpetuate the sad, sick cycle of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac controlling the mortgage industry with no reforms to either.

Please click here for the rest of the post.

3. RedState Interview with Jon Huntsman

Former Utah Governor and current Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman took the time on Friday to sit down with me and answer some questions on his views. You can hear the entire audio of the interview by clicking below, or I have generated a rough transcript which you can find below the fold.

I will admit to being impressed by Governor Huntsman, who I had largely written off earlier in the campaign. As a matter of presentation, he seems to come off better on audio than video for some reason. In any event, he answered my questions candidly and with a bare minimum of politician-speak. He refused an opportunity to backtrack on some of the earlier comments attributed to his campaign, but I think most readers will find that his positions are more conservative than they would expect.

Please click here for the rest of the post.

4. Can Congress Subpoena Judges?

I have to confess at the outset that I am at a loss to explain the hyperventilation in some quarters about Newt Gingrich's remarks in Saturday night's debate that he would subpoena federal judges to testify before Congress. I don't really want to get sidetracked in a discussion of whether such a move would be a good idea, politically (it would almost certainly not, as evidenced by the fact that it is never done), my only beef is with the suggestion that it literally could not be done. In other words, to some extent this is probably the sort of discussion that only a soul-sucking lawyer fascinated by the question of how many angels could dance on the head of a pin could possibly enjoy and therefore I will stick most of it below the fold. I will say, however, that folks who have never actually practiced in front of a judge generally have no idea how bad things are in the judiciary these days - and while I think Newt's plan is probably political suicide, I don't think some outside-the-box thinking should be completely discarded where the judiciary is concerned, because it is clear that what has been done prior to this point is just not working.

Please click here for the rest of the post.

Heritage Hotsheet

Experts on the Day's Hottest News

Items for December 20, 2011

U.S. takes delicate approach to North Korean succession  The Washington Times

Bruce Klingner

It's official: Congress at record low  Politico

Mike Franc
 

Lawmakers Deadlock Over Tax Cut 

The Wall Street Journal

Mike Needham
 

First permit OK'd for oil drilling in Alaska reserve  USA Today

Nicolas Loris
 

Capitalism and the Right to Rise  The Wall Street Journal Opinion

Matthew Spalding

Amb. Terry Miller

Latest Heritage Research:

CENTER FOR POLICY INNOVATION DISCUSSION PAPER

A Report from the Hill

Round 4: Joint House/Senate Homeland Security Committee Hearing on Radical Islam's Terror Threat to U.S. Military Communities

Must-see video of brief exchange between Rep. Dan Lungren and Obama official!!
  by Lisa Piraneo, Director of Government Relations

Last Wednesday, I Tweeted live during the 4^th of Chairman Pete King's hearings on radical Islam in our nation, entitled "Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat to Military Communities Inside the United States." Last week's hearing, was slightly different from the previous three, in that it was a JOINT hearing convened by both the House Homeland Security Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

To accompany the hearing, Chairman King released a Congressional Majority Investigative Report, also entitled, "Homegrown Terrorism: The Threat to Military Communities inside the United States." The report offers numerous details on the dangers faced by our military and their families on U.S. soil, noting,

  Last week's hearing covered a great deal of ground, which you can find out by downloading my more detailed report HERE. For the remainder of this e-mail, however, I want to focus on one particular exchange that you just HAVE to see to believe.

At one point during the discussion, Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA/3^rd) asked witness Paul Stockton (Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and America's Security Affairs, Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Department of Defense) if we are at war with violent Islamist extremism.

A simple question, requiring a simple answer...right?

Wrong.

Click HERE to watch this exchange in its entirety. Mr. Stockton's responses would be downright comedic if they didn't tragically demonstrate the shocking denial of jihadism at our highest levels of our government.
 

VIDEOS * TODAY'S HOT PICKS 

♦ CHECK OUT FSM'S NEW HOT PICKS' FEATURE: "WHAT DOES PAM THINK? "♦ 

The Power of the Pen - Abused

Mark Silverberg 

Christianity's Triumph

Alan Caruba 

Congressional Salaries: Too High? Or Too Low?

Frank Hill 

Today's Hot Topics

We choose, you peruse.

BREAKING NEWS: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il Dead

Kim Jong Il, North Korea's mercurial and enigmatic longtime leader, has died of heart failure. He was 69. In a "special broadcast" Monday from the North Korean capital, state media said Kim died of a heart ailment on a train due to a "great mental and physical strain" on Dec. 17 during a "high intensity field inspection." It said an autopsy was done on Dec. 18 and "fully confirmed" the diagnosis... 

Israel: Violent Rioters and Media Goons

Caroline Glick 

Who's REALLY Blowing Up Iran?

Dr. Michael Ledeen 

Please Sign 1Lt. Michael Behenna's Petition for Clemency

Diana West 

The Specter of Jizya Returns to Egypt

Raymond Ibrahim

Pvt. Manning-Wikileaks Hearing Reveals Army's Security Weaknesses

Jim Kouri, CPP 

The Endless Triumph of Christmas

(Disclaimer: No atheists were harmed in the making of this column.)

Ralph Peters 

Mr. Islam's Blindfold and Machete

Islam is peaceful. At least that is the likely defense of Rafiqi Islam, a loving husband, who told his wife that he had a present for her, blindfolded her to make it a surprise and then cut off her fingers. Then the rest of the Islam family mopped up the blood, while Mr. Islam threw her fingers into the trash, and after a few hours took her to the hospital where they warned her to tell the doctors that she had an accident.

 

The proximate cause of this event was that Mrs. Islam wanted to continue her education and Mr. Islam being a good Emirati Muslim was not so fond of the idea. Islam must be given credit for directness. When Muslims want to punish women for their sexuality, such as not wearing the Hijab, they throw acid in their faces. When they want to punish them for getting an education, they cut off their fingers with a machete.

But before the machete comes down, the blindfold goes up. We ourselves have had quite a few Muslims asking us to put on a blindfold because they have a present for us and they don't want to spoil the surprise. All we have to do is close our eyes for twenty years or so and we'll be missing a hand or a head too. Surprise, you're a backward theocracy with a legal system overseen by child abusing Mullahs. Now blow out the bomb belt and make a wish.

There are a number of lessons here. The first is don't go into a room with Mr. Islam. The second is don't put on a blindfold when he tells you that he has a surprise for you. The third is don't marry Mr. Islam in the first place.

Unfortunately the free world has been forced into an arranged marriage with Mr. Islam. One day he just showed up on our doorstep and the authorities told us we would be living with him from now on. Sometimes he cuts off a head, plants a bomb or kills a few thousand people-- but when we complain to the authorities, they warn us not to cast any aspersions on the good name of Mr. Islam. There might be people doing these terrible things, but it's only because we haven't made them feel at home. We didn't make their coffee just right, we told the wrong jokes and didn't prop up their self-esteem. But whoever those people are, they are certainly not Mr. Islam who is a fine peaceful gentleman and would never harm a fly.

There are quite a few people who would like to be able to get a divorce from Mr. Islam, but the authorities won't hear of it. Mr. Islam is here to stay and we had better make him feel at home or he'll have another surprise for us.
 

A Shameful End to the Year
Dec 18, 2011 02:47 pm

Should We Intervene in Syria?
Dec 18, 2011 11:27 am

"IF ANY STATE PREVENTS US FROM SPREADING ISLAM ON ITS SOIL WE WILL WAGE JIHAD ON THAT STATE"   

"IF ANY STATE PREVENTS US FROM SPREADING ISLAM ON ITS SOIL WE WILL WAGE JIHAD ON THAT STATE"

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Brigitte Gabriel Raises Hell

By Ted Belman

I met Brigitte Gabriel about 8 years ago and we became friends. She created the movement ACT for America 
Here she gives a rousing speech in which she lays into Americans for allowing the Muslims to take over their universities and public schools.

Here is the speech which she gave 5 years ago before the Heritage Institute. It was the beginning of her meteoric rise. A great speech. 

Read more: 

AG Eric Holder was responsible for 168 deaths in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing...and more

Dec 19, 2011 05:13 am | Coach Collins

by Doug Book,  staff writer

Documents obtained by Salt Lake City attorney Jesse Trentadue in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit show then Clinton Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder authorized members of the FBI to provide explosives to Oklahoma City bombing criminals Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols immediately prior to the April, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building.

Holder had authorized the FBI to provide the explosives to McVeigh and Nichols in conjunction with a Clinton Administration undercover operation named PATCON, an acronym for "Patriot Conspiracy." As Jesse Trentadue describes it, "PATCON was designed to infiltrate and incite... militia[s] and evangelical Christians to violence so that the Department of Justice could crush them."  (1)

Both Waco and Ruby Ridge are now known to have been PATCON inspired, Department of Justice plots.

Shortly after the Oklahoma City bombing, Holder instructed FBI agents to recover from Terry Nichols any remainder of the explosives the Bureau had ... Continue Reading:AG Eric Holder was responsible for 168 deaths in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing...and more

comments | read more

American Minute for December 18th

Dec 18, 2011 03:13 pm | Coach Collins

Coachisright.com is pleased have American history scholar; nationally known speaker and best selling author William J Federer's  American Minute column as a part of CiR's team.

 Bill Federer is a tireless and meticulous researcher whose daily history lessons reflect the relationship between God and our nation. Bill is a regular guest on radio and television shows when getting American history right is essential.

 We're sure you will enjoy Bill's daily columns and want to share them with your friends and families. Bill Federer is an American patriot whose message needs to be heard by all.

By Bill Federer, staff writer

 "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" was a carol written by Charles Wesley, born DECEMBER 18, 1707, at Epworth, England. The 18th child of Rev. Samuel and Susanna Wesley, he excelled in school and came to the attention of Garret Wesley, or Wellesley, a Member of Parliament with a large fortune in Daugan, Ireland. Having no child, ... Continue Reading:American Minute for December 18th

comments | read more

Obama asks Democrat supporters to provide email addresses of Republican friends

Dec 18, 2011 01:13 pm | Coach Collins

by James Lewis, staff writer

 Barack Obama's re-election forces have just made a request of their lunatic fan base, asking members to pass on the email addresses of Republican friends, family and acquaintances to the campaign.

 According to "Obama for America" Deputy Campaign Manager Julianna Smoot, the purpose of this reputedly innocent adventure is to "...have a little fun at the expense of a Republican in your life by letting them know they inspired you to make a campaign donation to the Obama campaign." (1)

 Of course,  suspicious and mistrusting conservatives needn't worry, for after being emailed with the campaign's thanks for having "inspired" the contribution, Republicans are guaranteed by Barack's minions that their email information will NOT be   "...held on to."  And when have Obama & Co ever lied!  (1)

 Maybe it's all innocent fun like they say.  And maybe it's not. 

 If you live in Chicagoland, would you pass on your email address to ... Continue Reading:Obama asks Democrat supporters to provide email addresses of Republican friends

comments | read more

News from The Hill:

Supreme Court schedules 3 days of arguments over healthcare law
By Sam Baker

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on President Obama's healthcare law over a three-day span in late March.

The schedule further confirms the universal expectation that the court will issue a ruling on the healthcare law next June, at the height of the 2012 campaign.

Read the story here.

December 19, 2011

Ron Paul's Foreign Policy Exposed

Monday, December 19, 2011

To: Friends & Supporters

From: Gary L. Bauer


COUNTDOWN TO VICTORY: 323 DAYS TO THE 2012 ELECTIONS


Will Iowa Matter?

There is no question that the Iowa caucuses are a crucial battleground for candidates seeking the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. But will the Iowa caucuses matter at all in 2016?

It breaks my heart to ask that question because I love Iowa, having spent many days there during my own presidential campaign in 2000. But new polling data suggests the Iowa caucuses may result in a disastrous victory by Iranian apologist Ron Paul.

Newt Gingrich clearly has been hurt by the barrage of attacks he has faced from his opponents recently. Gingrich's support has dropped 11 points in the past eight days. A new poll finds Gingrich running third with just 14% of the vote -- trailing Mitt Romney (20%) and Ron Paul (23%).

Let me be clear one more time -- I am not endorsing any candidate in this race at this time. But with all due respect to our Iowa friends: If Ron Paul, the candidate who is the most outside of the GOP mainstream -- and to the left of Barack Obama on national security -- wins the Iowa caucuses, your state will cease to be a key battleground in future presidential nominating contests. The next item explains why.


Paul Does His Best Soros Impersonation

Ron Paul appeared on Jay Leno's show Friday night and did his best George Soros impersonation. Asked to briefly describe what he thought about his opponents in the GOP primary, Paul said Michele Bachmann, "hates Muslims. She wants to go get 'em." Paul also said that Rick Santorum hates "gays and Muslims."

I have written repeatedly that the candidates seeking to win the presidency would best serve the country by focusing their attacks on the man in the Oval Office, Barack Obama. Yet Paul chose to attack two of the most conservative candidates in the race as "haters." His comments read like a left-wing press release. Is Paul being paid by George Soros to attack conservatives or is he doing this for free?

On Mike Huckabee's Fox show Saturday, Bachmann fired back, saying:

"The real hate that you hear is coming from the president of Iran. [Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] hates Jews. He hates Jews in Israel, and he hates the American people, and so do the mullahs in Iran who have expressly stated that it is their goal to kill Jews in Israel and also to kill Americans. That's a real threat and that's why as commander and chief of this nation I will stand up and make sure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon and I will stand with our ally Israel."

Bachmann gets it, as do most Americans. Ron Paul may be getting applause in Tehran and on the radical left, but he does not deserve to get one vote in a GOP primary.


Media Bias

Two items in the news today demonstrate the media's bias against conservatives and how reporters twist and misrepresent statements to fit their ideological agenda.

Do you know that Newt Gingrich wants to arrest judges? That was the inescapable conclusion from the chatter by the talking heads this morning regarding Gingrich's appearance on "Face The Nation."

Gingrich has made reining in rogue judges a centerpiece of his campaign. He said that as president he would ignore court rulings that impede on national security and would ask Congress to subpoena judges to explain outrageous rulings that defy logic and public opinion. When asked how he would enforce such subpoenas if the judges refused to testify, Gingrich said, "...you instruct the Justice Department to send the U.S. Marshal."

Gingrich was merely answering a process question, but liberals and their media allies went ballistic over that comment, and for obvious reasons. For decades the left has relied on unelected judges to push through the courts key parts of the liberal agenda, like abortion on demand and same-sex "marriage," that could never pass at the ballot box. That's why the left is so desperate to take down anyone who challenges its stranglehold over the courts.

Do you know that House Republicans want to raise taxes on middle class families? That is the spin coming from the media elites after House Republicans rejected the Senate's two-month extension of the payroll tax cut.

Here's the truth: House Republicans passed a one-year extension of the payroll tax cut last week, which is what President Obama has been asking for. It was the Democrat Senate that managed to approve only one-sixth of what the president wanted. Experts are now warning that the two-month extension "could create substantial problems" and "cannot be implemented properly."

Rather than continue to have this debate every other month for the next year, House Republicans are demanding a better bill that gets it done now so that families can have some certainty in their paychecks next year!


Former Obama Security Advisor: Build The Pipeline!

A major sticking point in the payroll tax cut debate has been Obama's efforts to kill the Keystone XL pipeline that would transport oil from Canada to our Gulf Coast refineries. Republicans attached an amendment to the payroll tax cut demanding the administration make a decision on the pipeline in 60 days, rather than waiting until 2013.

Friday, retired General Jim Jones warned that we can't wait to build the pipeline and that failing to do so would damage America's national security. In a conference call with reporters, Gen. Jones said:

"If we get to the point where we cannot bring ourselves to do what is in our national interest, then we are clearly in a period of decline... A nation that fails to secure the energy its citizens and its economic engine need to keep functioning leaves itself vulnerable to external contingencies in a dangerous and uncertain world and to the whims of foreign leaders and other actors who may not always have its interests at heart.

"The delay, and possible rejection of this pipeline, could have significant and long-range national security implications for our nation."

What make Jones' remarks so striking is that he served as Barack Obama's National Security Advisor from 2009 through most of 2010. General Jones clearly gets the strategic importance of this pipeline. The question every voter should be asking is why Obama does not.


Lost in Obama's Tolerance Shuffle: Persecution of Christians

It is well-known that Barack Obama presides over one of the most anti-Israel administrations ever.  But Israel's Jews aren't the only besieged religious minority in the Middle East that's scorned by the Obama administration. You can read more in my latest column at humanevents.com.
 

Take part in a Tea Party study

The Tea Party movement's impact has been historic. We will go down in the history books, and be studied for decades. In fact, professors and academics have approached FreedomWorks about learning more about our members to assist in their research.

A special survey has been created just for you. Click here, and enter your unique code "1054070" to complete your survey, so the history books can paint an accurate picture of the Tea Party, not one skewed by the media or left-wing politicians.

I'm proud of this movement, and the men and women who are a part of it. I want the record to reflect just who we were, and why we've done what we've done.

I hope you'll click here to complete your survey right away.

Take Your Survey »

A Message of Appreciation

Senator Ron Johnson recently wrote a diary entry at RedState in which he thanked grassroots activists for supporting his candidacy for Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. Read below:

By: Senator Ron Johnson

We lost a close vote. The press is reporting that the final vote in the Senate Republican Vice Chair race was 25-22.

I sincerely appreciate the grassroots support from people who understand that Washington is broken and the conservative community is high on that list. Without your strong and clear voice, the vote today would not have been as close as it was. The message you are sending about the need to rein in spending, to repeal Obamacare, to prevent excessive regulation, and to take advantage of America's own energy resources, is beginning to get through. Your work is important and it is appreciated; please keep it up. Read More »

Wyden-Ryan Medicare plan: ObamaCare for seniors

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) have just unveiled a new Medicare reform plan that purports to be a bipartisan "third way" that would give both political parties what they want:

For the Democrats, it would guarantee continued existence for the original 1960s Medicare program, "now and forever."

For the Republicans, it would get Medicare spending under control, and thus avert national bankruptcy, by injecting more consumer choice and competition into the system. Or so the authors claim. Read More »

December 19, 2011
 
  WHo's paying for obama's hawaiian trip?  CNN's money experts say the average family would spend about $15,000 or less for a 17 day vacation. The Obama's Hawaiian trip is projected to cost $4 million dollars. Find out who will foot the bill HERE.
  50 shocking facts about the us economy  Last month's unemployment numbers have been touted as a strong indicator that the U.S. economy is about to come roaring back to life. A website called The Economic Collapse (TEC) begs to differ. Read the 50 statistics that TEC claims point to very serious economic problems lurking just ahead HERE.
  EGYPT ERUPTS, 14 PROTESTERS KILLED  Cairo is once again the scene of violent and deadly protests in Egypt. Over the weekend, police stormed Tahrir Square, killing 14 protesters and injuring countless others. See the pictures and videos HERE.
  SHOCK VIDEO: NORTH KOREANS PUBLICLY MOURNING THE DEATH OF KIM JONG IL  News of the death of Kim Jong Il spread across North Korea via state-run media, followed by mass demonstrations mourning the loss of the oppressive dictator known as "Dear Leader." Get a rare look inside this very closed country HERE

A 'holy war' in texas? thousands gather to support local nativity scene   The population of Athens, Texas grew by almost 50% this weekend as 5,000 pro-Nativity-scene supporters descended on the town. Were the faithful successful in holding off the legal challenge to from a Wisconsin-based Atheist group? Get the details HERE.  
  VIRAL VIDEO - SNL SKETCH HAS JESUS ASK TIM TEBOW TO 'TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH'   Saturday Night Live closed the TV 2011 season with a sketch showing Jesus visiting the Denver Broncos locker room to deliver a special message to QB Tim Tebow. Watch the entire sketch HERE.

Brief · December 19, 2011

The Foundation

"The truth is that the want of common education with us is not from our poverty, but from the want of an orderly system. More money is now paid for the education of a part than would be paid for that of the whole if systematically arranged." --Thomas Jefferson

Government

The future of higher education is up in the air

"One of the oldest economic maxims, 'if you subsidize something, you get more of it' has created the next trillion dollar-plus bubble for which American taxpayers will be on the hook. The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education discovered that published college tuition and fees increased 439 percent from 1982 to 2007, while median family income rose 147 percent. What is driving those costs? The idea that every high school graduate should attend college, and that government -- meaning taxpayers -- will guarantee loans made to those students. ... [A]s college tuition costs increase, the government makes more funding available to students to pay for them. The more funding available -- guaranteed by the taxpayers, so that colleges never face the possibility of a loan default -- the more they can raise their tuition costs without ever having to worry about getting stiffed. ... If college tuition, aided and abetted by government subsidies, continues to almost triple relative to family income, at some point the amount of debt incurred to obtain a college degree will surpass the additional income one may derive from it. Considering that any attempt to reign in government's role in facilitating these runaway costs is inevitably characterized as 'depriving needy students of critically needed funds,' the trend is likely to continue. Or at least it will until the bubble pops, exactly like the government-abetted housing bubble did. Are Americans ready for another trillion dollar bailout precipitated by irresponsible government?" --columnist Arnold Ahlert

When will the college bubble burst?

For the Record

"President Obama had hoped to be in Hawaii [Sunday] for the start of his 17-day Christmas vacation. Instead, he's stuck in Washington until Congress finishes its work for the year. But in the Aloha State, residents are already abuzz about the first family's trip -- and its high price tag. Figures obtained by Hawaii Reporter reveal the trip is expected to run taxpayers about $4 million. It has already cost taxpayers about $100,000 extra just so first lady Michelle Obama and the president's daughters, Sasha and Malia, could leave Friday before the president, according to White House Dossier. Hawaii Reporter's comprehensive breakdown uses government data to calculate travel, housing, hotel and local costs. 'Hawaii Reporter research shows the total cost for the President's visit for taxpayers far exceeded $1.5 million in 2010 -- but is even more costly this year because he extended his vacation by three days and the cost for Air Force One travel has jumped since last assessed in 2000. In addition, Hawaii Reporter was able to obtain more specifics about the executive expenditures. The total cost (based on what is known) for the 17-day vacation roundtrip vacation to Hawaii for the President, his family and staff has climbed to more than $4 million.'" --Heritage Foundation's Rob Bluey

Re: The Left

"[Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently] faced questions from liberal '60 Minutes' and conservative investigative author Peter Schweitzer about a 5,000-share Visa stock purchase she made with her husband as the House was considering credit card regulations. She made a 'killing' off the highly sought-after initial public offering. ... While she makes grand gestures toward banning congressional insider trading, San Fran Nan's financial conflicts of interest are once again on display. [Last] week, Reuters columnist Dan Indiviglio pointed to pending House legislation titled the 'New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011,' which is stuffed with natural gas vehicle subsidies: $9 billion worth, to be precise. These very subsidies are championed by Texas billionaire and failed wind farm evangelist T. Boone Pickens. He just happens to be a major stockholder in the company that would benefit from the bill: Clean Energy Fuels. Question the timing? Indeed. As The Washington Examiner's Tim Carney observes: 'While Pickens, a longtime oil and gas man, has been lobbying for natural gas subsidies for decades, his cause has become particularly urgent this month. Pickens owns options to buy 15 million shares of Clean Energy Fuels at $10 per share, according to SEC filings. Those options expire Dec. 28. If Congress could pass the NATGAS Act this month, shares of Clean Energy would skyrocket.' Pelosi just happens to be a stockholder in -- you guessed it -- Clean Energy Fuels." --columnist Michelle Malkin

The Gipper

"In spite of everything, we Americans are still uniquely blessed, not only with the rich bounty of our land but by a bounty of the spirit -- a kind of year-round Christmas spirit that still makes our country a beacon of hope in a troubled world and that makes this Christmas and every Christmas even more special for all of us who number among our gifts the birthright of being an American." --Ronald Reagan

Political Futures

"Ronald Reagan didn't pick up his toys and go home like a spoiled brat when things didn't go his way, even after a hard-fought loss in 1976. He supported the winning candidate as he would support today's nominee, no matter who might be chosen. He understood that Republicans can always win when they are united. They have a message the voters understand and support. We can beat Barack Hussein Obama and his socialist message if we are unified, but if we are divided and broadcasting a confusing message -- which is what Obama craves -- it will help him win another four years in the White House. He'll get it, and America will suffer if Republicans spend their time attacking each other. Republicans must understand that the American people are tired of all the intraparty bickering. They want a party that offers solutions, not cat fights." --columnist Michael Reagan

Faith & Family

"Former Wall Streeter David Goldman pointed out in Of Demographics and Depressions (First Things, May 2009) that the economic slump began in the home mortgage industry because we have no more young marrieds with children than we had in 1969. The home mortgage industry has been the driver of America's post-World War II economic prosperity. ... Can America afford to subsidize the breakdown in the family? Planned Parenthood thinks we can. They see a smaller America with smaller hopes. Just keep shoveling public monies to them and their family banning activities and all will be well. President Obama is suing Texas, Indiana, and Kansas to keep the torrent of federal funds flowing to Planned Parenthood. Not even state governments should be able, according to him, to stop subsidizing this abortion advocacy institution. ... Have we so shackled ourselves to the dogmas of population control and no-growth 'progressive' taxation and regulation policies that we cannot see the obvious way out? Strong families are the engine that drives strong economies. It's that simple." --columnist Ken Blackwell

Culture

"Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has been a controversial sports figure ever since he agreed to do an ad for the conservative organization Focus on the Family; the spot aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. ... In the end, the message turned out to be pretty innocuous, and those who tried to censor it looked downright silly. Now Tebow is once again a target for illiberals who find his evangelical Christianity somehow threatening and offensive. ... In an era when other famous athletes are better known for sexting, criminal assault or even murder, it's a mystery why humility and faith would be viewed negatively. True tolerance means allowing others to believe what they choose and to express those beliefs, so long as they do not interfere with the liberty of others. Tebow does not insist that his teammates join him in prayer, nor does he interfere with those who choose a different religious -- or non-religious -- expression of joy and gratitude. ... The illiberal religious bigots believe putting a creche on public property is unconstitutional; but displaying a crucifix in a tax-supported museum is just fine, just so long as it's stuck in a jar of urine. Tim Tebow is not the problem. The real problem is our willingness to be bullied into thinking that prejudice masked as tolerance is acceptable." --columnist Linda Chavez

The Gift of Liberty

For last-minute shoppers, there is no better gift than the gift of Liberty. Help ensure that your loved ones will continue to enjoy the blessings of Liberty that our Creator has bestowed upon us. So that we may effectively battle the enemies of what you hold dear, make a secure online donation today to The Patriot Post's 2011 Year-End Campaign. If you prefer to support us by mail, please use our printable donor form. We have $108,300 yet to raise in just 12 days!

Thank you!

Nate Jackson
Managing Editor

Reader Comments

"Organizations asking for support donations seem to be a big part of my email and regular mail. As the elections are coming up we get more and more requests for financial support. As a retired Navy Senior Chief I find only two groups where my limited funds are worth sharing; The Patriot Post and the NRA. When politicians ask for campaign funds I tell them I donate all my available funds to The Patriot Post and the NRA. I've learned so much from your site and continue to learn. Keep it up. I know my donation wasn't much but I hope it helps." --Vin

"To answer Mark Alexander's question in "The Fatal Cycle of Democracy," we have passed the 'tipping point.' The current government interventions and economic issues go deep. But the division of the people is what will be the breaking point. There are more people that stand ready with arms than anyone can imagine. I pray that we can resolve the divisions at the polls. The current administration has done more to divide and conquer this country than any foreign power could ever do. Unless we take a step back to Judeo-Christian values and fall in love again with freedom, there is no future." --Jerry

"Our nation is indeed at a critical juncture. Our debt is so heavy that it puts literally everything in jeopardy. The liberal destruction of our Constitution would be a federal crime in many other nations; shadowy figures would drag violators off in the night. Protecting the Constitution should be in the forefront of every Patriot's mind." --George

Not surprisingly, the responses to our Digest analysis of the Republican field in Iowa were quite varied.

"I am so deeply disappointed in your analysis of the Iowa Republican field of candidates. Mitt Romney has integrity and is most conservative in almost every position important to the survival of our nation. If we as conservatives do not get behind a concerted combined effort to nominate and then elect Mitt Romney as our next POTUS we will lose our essential liberties and the Nation that has been the hope of the world." --Jim

"Michele Bachmann is the only true conservative and constitutionalist in the field. She is smart, attractive, and motivated. I am dismayed Tea Party members have not supported her more vigorously." --Fred

"Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate that understands the issues, especially foreign policy, and who also has the will to take the action necessary to restore the Republic. The rest are part of the welfare/warfare state uni-party (Republicrats) that make up the mainstream in the body politic!" --Mark

"I would rather see Newt Gingrich win the nomination than either Ron Paul or Mitt Romney. I realize that in the past Newt did some dumb things and I can report I did to. We are looking to oust a president that has taken this country so far left it teeters on its destruction. We need someone in government that has the ability to reform the system and Newt has the history to show that he can." --Don

"Bring back Herman Cain." --Jaaz

"Is it too late (and I shudder) to bring back Sarah Palin?" --Eric

"I am not thrilled with any of the candidates and would like a complete do over." --Jody

The Last Word

"[T]here are millions of people in this country who agree with Obama and the rabble who constitute the Occupy Wall Street movement. They resent rich people. In Obama's case, he only resents rich people who don't kick in to his re-election war chest. But even he, who is a multi-millionaire, believes that other wealthy people should hand over their money to the poor. And not in the form of charity, which has always been the American way, but through taxation and federal redistribution. There are several reasons why this should be abhorrent to everyone. For one thing, an awful lot of poor people are leeches. They don't work even when jobs are readily available. And when they're given money, food stamps and housing, they aren't even grateful. They regard it as their due. For another thing, the weaponry used in class warfare is envy, which, along with its Siamese twin, self-pity, are the two most loathsome human emotions. Those who have less than others are told that the only reason for the imbalance is that they've been cheated. ... The truth is, there is nothing noble about poverty, especially not in America, where, thanks to limitless opportunities to improve one's lot, it is probably more difficult to remain poor for more than a single generation than it is to become wealthy." --columnist Burt Prelutsky

Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis!
Nate Jackson for The Patriot Post Editorial Team

Gallup: Under Obama, Growing Percentage See Big Government as 'Biggest Threat'

'Progressive' Church Offers Christmas Billboard That Shows Virgin Mary With Pregnancy Test Kit

Hezbollah Terrorist Handed Over to Iraqis by U.S. May Face Only Minor Criminal Charge

Only Media Research Center exposes and neutralizes the liberal media agenda. Please help us with a tax deductible gift today.  

Republican Senators Will Propose Cuts in Jan. to Offset Automatic Reductions to Defense Budget

House Republicans Rebel Against Senate-Passed Bill Extending Payroll Tax Cut

Jesus, Mary, Joseph - and Hugo Chavez?

Democratic Senators Call on Sebelius to 'Explain the Science' Behind Plan B Decision

New EPA Pollution Rules May Force Shutdown of Dozens of Coal-Fired Power Plants

Iowa Republican Party Worried About Hacker Threat to Disrupt Caucus Vote

Meteorologist on Climate Change: 'It's Raining Harder Out There'

COMMENTARY:

GOP Race Tightening
By Rich Galen
With the advent of social media and the enormous attention being paid to the debates, the ebb and flow of support for various GOP candidates in the national polls is sure to have an effect on voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and the other early states.

NEWSPAPER ROUNDUP:

Obama administration ignoring a petition forgery scandal unfolding in Indiana
Travis Air Force Base will not remove holiday Nativity display
Payroll tax cut extension in doubt amid House Republican uproar
Keystone supporters furious over Chiquita's no-Canadian-oil-sands pledge
Sheriff Joe Arpaio to cooperate with Justice Dept. probe
Iowa's biggest newspaper backs Romney
U.S. military and Taliban using Twitter to wage war of words
Transgender immigrant from El Salvador finds new life, protection in D.C.
Ron Paul goes on Jay Leno, accuses Michele Bachmann of hating Muslims
The Hill Poll: Obama more likely to lose than win again, say voters
U.S. farmers aim to bring back homegrown olive oil
Woman on way home from crash killed in second wreck

FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 19, 2011

• DOJ Formally Accuses Maricopa County of Discrimination against Latinos; DHS Rescinds 287(g) Agreement 
• Obama to Withdraw National Guard Troops at Border 
• Even in Recession, U.S. Waiting Line Remains High 

LAST FULL DAY! 

Today is the last full day to order using Standard Shipping on Amazon and get it in time for Christmas! Engage with our history like never before with Glenn's Being George Washington. This is the gift even United States Senators (1) are hoping to get their hands on this holiday season. Gain a new appreciation for America's indispensable man and see how being like him today is more possible that you might believe.

Want to warm the hearts of those you love with a book that will inspire them to do great things? The Snow Angel is a novel about family, faith and forgiveness that was inspired by events in Glenn's own life. Order today!